Why Jar Opener Tools Are a Good Investment (Plus Who Benefits Most From Jar Openers)

While feisty, tightly-fit jar lids can affect even the most dexterous humans on the planet, more jars will likely trouble us as we age and lose grip strength or notice achy joints. “I recommend jar openers to all my patients with arthritis since they often struggle with daily activities because of the constant pain during and after using their hands,” says Yeiddy Ferreira, an occupational therapist at Westmed Medical Group in Purchase, New York. “Opening jars is so challenging for patients with arthritis because the condition debilitates the joints, most commonly those of the thumbs. A jar opener can protect hand joints, decrease pain, and increase functionality.” It can save you a lot of time and stress, too. It’s truly all about mechanics when you’re considering how to open a stuck jar. Many important hand tasks, including gripping, grasping, and pinching, originate from the thumb, Ferreira explains. Since individuals with arthritic hands have “worn out” thumb joints, their thumbs are often stiff, swollen, weak, and have a limited range of motion. “It’s guaranteed that patients would then most likely have a hard time not only opening jars, but also any activity that requires force coming from the thumb joints,” Ferreira adds.

4 of the Best Jar Openers Money Can Buy

Starting under $5 and topping out at $30, these electric jar openers, rubber jar openers, and grip-boosters will help make quick work out of opening tight lids. Price at time of publish: $23 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $5 With this guide for how to open a stuck jar, you’ll never be in a pinch come dinnertime when your meal plan includes canned fruits or vegetables, jams, pickles, salsas, or any jar with a lid. Bonus: Many of these jar openers can make speedy work out of opening nail polish bottles and soda bottles, too.